To Neil: Thanks for bringing memories and stories about the greatest band of
all time to people all over the world. I discovered your newsletter years ago
and have written in from time to time. For me and my family, the Kinks are more
than just a band or some songs..they are a part of our lives. My children, 15,
10 and 9 have grown up listening to their dad talk about Ray, Dave, Pete and
Mick for years. My daughter, London (how appropriate is that...I wonder where
that came from?? !! ) age 9, asks me in the car "dad can you play the machine
gun song again" (You Really Got Me). Liam age 10, loves "Superman" because he
is his favorite hero. My oldest Rob, age 15 is learning to play the guitar in
high school and stood up for his dad in class one day when a debate over the
origin of heavy metal came up. All of his classmates were talking about Led
Zeppelin, Van Halen or even Gun N Roses. Rob said "no....the Kinks started it
all" His teacher said yes and everyone else wanted to know more about this
"old" band from the 60s.
The biggest thrill for me was when I went to a
Ray Davies Storyteller concert with my sister and my girlfriend. Ray started
singing "I Go to Sleep". I looked over and saw my sister crying and Jeanette,
my girlfriend just hugged my arm. They felt what I felt....that the songs are
part of us. Also, for me and Jeanette, "Waterloo Sunset" is our love song. I
thank the Kinks for all they have done for us. I thank Neil for all you are
doing for us and I thank the friends I have chatted with or emailed through this
forum over the years.
